A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 476

“Thank you for everything, Cole.”

Cole shook his head, dark circles under his eyes and exhaustion etched across his face, but there was still an unwavering resolve in his gaze.

“Try to get some rest. If you collapse right when Lessie wakes up, what will I do with you?” Karen said, her voice gentle and full of concern. “I’ll go home and make some nourishing soup for you. Just look at yourself you’re worn to the bone. If Lessie wakes up and sees you like this, it’ll only make her feel worse.”

She reached up to ruffle his hair, the gesture tender and maternal, her eyes brimming with worry.

“I’m alright, Aunt Karen. I feel calmer sitting with Lessie,” Cole replied softly. He hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in days.

Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Alessia as she’d been carried out from the wreckage. Each time he startled awake, his hands would tremble, and only by her side, watching the erratic lines on the monitor and her pale face, did he find the strength to steady himself.

Karen and Brendan knew better than anyone how deep the bond between Cole and Alessia ran, how much they had supported each other to make

it this far.

they did what little they could–bringing him

all

shoulder, startling Karen and Brendan. Cole simply took the

to tell me! Am I just some old relic you can

13

Chapter 476

voice gruff with accusation, but underneath was nothing

explanations, just bowing his head. He looked

and went to the window,

much more does this girl have to endure?” he muttered. “When she wakes up, I’m going to give her a talking–to. She should be living a carefree life, taking over my old practice, enjoying herself–instead, she insists on taking the weight of the world

Brendan exchanged a look, lips pressed

was never going to be the kind of child content to let life pass her by. She had ambition, grit, and a determination that nothing could shake. Even if she had to live through this a

backing down, always stepping forward to shield others, never mind that she

would wake up. Still, seeing her so still, so lifeless, left a hollow ache in their

her lead. She was